A plant record

Psyllium / Ispaghula (Silyòm (Ispagil))

Plantago ovata

EnglishPsyllium / Ispaghula

KreyòlSilyòm (Ispagil)

FrançaisPsyllium (ispaghul)

BotanicalPlantago ovata

Psyllium / Ispaghula (Silyòm (Ispagil)) — Plantago ovata, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Constipation (bulk-forming laxative — gentle). Diarrhea (normalizes stool). IBS. Cholesterol reduction (soluble fiber). Blood glucose regulation.

Prepared as

Seeds, seed husks

Chemistry

Mucilaginous polysaccharides (arabinoxylan) — swell in gut, increase stool bulk and water content. Slow glucose absorption. Bind bile acids (lower LDL). Prebiotic.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Konstipatyon (laksatif mas — dous). Dyare. SII. Redui kolestewòl. Regilatyon glikemi. Silyòm (ispagil) kòn nan Karayib la pou konstipasyon lejè ak vant iritable. Grenn ak anpil dlo pou nòmalize transit intestinal ak kolestewòl.

Français — Constipation (laxatif de masse — doux). Diarrhée (normalise les selles). SII. Réduction du cholestérol. Régulation de la glycémie. Le psyllium (ispaghul) est connu dans les Caraïbes pour la constipation légère et le côlon irritable; graines avec beaucoup d'eau pour normaliser le transit intestinal et le cholestérol.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

More on Haitian plant medicine